• Year 1: 70% of Band 4 salary (currently aligned to the Real Living Wage – approx. £12.60/hour)
• Year 2: 75% of Band 4 salary
Start Date: August 2026
Do you have an interest in pharmacy and medicines? Want to help deliver high-quality patient care while gaining a vocational qualification — and get paid to study?
If so, a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician role starting in April 2026 could be the perfect opportunity for you.
At NHS Fife, our Pharmacy & Medicines Directorate serves a population of around 380,000 people. We’re a team of over 300 pharmacy staff working across sectors to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care. As a trainee, you’ll be part of this team — rotating across pharmacy settings, building a portfolio of work-based evidence, and gaining valuable experience.
You’ll complete the Diploma in Pharmacy Services, which includes:
• Knowledge-based learning (PDA in Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 7) via blended learning with West College Scotland
• Vocational training (SVQ in Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 8) over two years
On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and apply for Pharmacy Technician roles across NHS sectors.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification routes:
Route A – Standard Entry:
• National 5 qualifications at Grades A to C (or equivalent) in:
1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. English
4. Mathematics
5. One additional subject
Route B – Alternative Entry:
• National 5 qualifications at Grades A to C (or equivalent) in:
6. English
7. Mathematics
AND
• Completion of an approved Pharmacy Services SQA course at SCQF Level 7
Additional Requirement:
• If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7 is required (GPhC regulatory standard)
Applicants must also meet the Modern Apprenticeship eligibility criteria as defined by Skills Development Scotland.
This is a fixed-term training post based in Primary Care, with placements in a Primary Care Pharmacy Pharmacy base, GP practices working alongside clinical pharmacy teams, and rotations to a local community pharmacy. Rotations will be allocated on appointment and may change depending on service needs. Some travel will be required across settings, and there may be opportunities to spend time in acute or community hospital environment.
To find out more information or to arrange an